The State Railways of Thailand (SRT) signed a 50-billion baht contract, with China Railway International Company Limited, today for the installation of rail, electrical systems and procurement of train carriages for the Thai-Chinese high-speed train (HST) project linking Bangkok with Thailand’s northeastern province of Nong Khai.

The project is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which will see the linkage of railway systems in Thailand, through the Laos PDR to China.

After the signing, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the Thai government attaches importance to the development railway systems and other transport and communication infrastructure.

The HST system, he said, will not just offer fast, safe and convenient travel, but it will also help national and regional development.

Thailand’s Transport Minister, Saksayam Chidchob, meanwhile, said that the 50-billion baht project also covers the training of Thais in the operation and maintenance of the train system.

The HST between Bangkok and Nong Khai is tentatively due to start operations in 2025